Cantilever displacement cargo carrier

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a cargo carrier. The preferred embodiment is a cantilever displacement cargo carrier with a beam. The first end of the beam comprises a cantilever displacement housing with a pivot hole. A pivot beam is pivotally attached to the beam at the cantilever displacement housing by a pivot pin inserted into the pivot hole and a pivot bushing. The pivot beam preferably has at least one pin saddle where a horizontal bearing pin with at least one bearing is inserted. The bearing preferably has an outer circumference that extends above the top surface of the pivot beam and contacts the cantilever displacement housing. The second end of the beam has a receiver saddle where the pivot beam can be locked in place at an anchor bushing by a retainer pin.

This is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 14/999,844, filedJul. 8, 2016. Said patent application is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is a vehicle cargo carrier apparatus. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to devices and methods forweight equalization of a cargo carrier where weight is applied to aswinging cantilever beam/arm.

BACKGROUND ART

The need for an automotive vehicle to be outfitted to accommodateadditional cargo is extremely popular and can be used for work,recreation or other necessities. Generally, a cargo carrier is a deviceconnected in some way to a vehicle's frame, body or trailer hitchreceiver using a fixed structure for carrying cargo.

Over the years, the vehicle cargo carrier has evolved and incorporatedcomplex features. One feature is the ability to swing the cargo out andaway from the vehicle on a rotating beam that is anchored to a fixedbeam with pivot axis on one side of the beam and the other side of thebeam is free to rotate with the cargo carrier, e.g. a platform,attached. This feature is becoming more popular because it providesaccess to a vehicle's rear door, compartments or other devices.

However, in prior art swinging arm cargo carriers, when the pivotingbeam loaded with the weight of its cargo is rotated out and away fromthe fixed beam, this action creates cantilever weight. The cantileverweight is transferred to the pivoting axis. As the cargo becomesheavier, so does the cantilever weight of the beam applied to thepivoting axis. This increased cantilever weight can have undesirableeffects on the carrier such as increased friction and increased stressto the pivoting axis that can cause excessive wear, deformation, metalfatigue and failure.

It is desirable to address the issues of stress and friction to thepivoting axis point and, therefore, reduce the failure and/or wear onthe pivoting axis and reduce the cantilever weight or compensate for theweight applied.

Another issue with cargo carriers that utilize a vehicle's trailer hitchtowing receiver is that by mounting a prior art cargo carrier to thevehicle's towing receiver, the towing receiver is disabled for itsintended purpose, namely towing. Thus, a cargo carrier that provides anauxiliary trailer hitch receiver for use even while cargo is beingcarried is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a cargo carrier. In particular, the preferredembodiment of the invention uses a cantilever distribution housing toreduce the applied pressure and stress to a pivot axis caused by cargoweight on a pivoting arm. The carrier preferably equalizes thecantilever weight by displacing the weight to the cargo carrier'sstationary beam and to the vehicle mounting. The weight displaced isequal to the cantilever weight thus reducing stress and friction placedon the pivoting axis (fulcrum). This allows the present invention tocarry and rotate an increased amount of cargo weight over prior artswing arm type cargo carriers. Some of these cargo items could include:a spare tire and wheel, motorcycle, scooter, ATV, mobility scooter,wheel chair, multiple bicycles or a universal cargo platform box.

The preferred embodiment is a cantilever displacement cargo carrier witha beam. The first end of the beam comprises a cantilever displacementhousing with a pivot hole. A pivot beam is pivotally attached to thebeam at the cantilever displacement housing by a pivot pin inserted intothe pivot hole and a pivot bushing. The pivot beam preferably has atleast one pin saddle where a horizontal bearing pin with at least onebearing is inserted. The bearing preferably has an outer circumferencethat extends above the top surface of the pivot beam and contacts thecantilever displacement housing. The second end of the beam has areceiver saddle where the pivot beam can be locked in place at an anchorbushing by a retainer pin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed tobe novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Thepresent invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation,together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood byreference to the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 01 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of thecargo carrier in the closed configuration mounted to the trailer hitchreceiver of a vehicle;

FIG. 02 is a front view showing a preferred embodiment of the face ofthe cargo carrier frame body with the pivoting beam removed;

FIG. 03 is a perspective exploded view showing the cargo carrier withthe pivot beam separate from the fixed beam;

FIG. 04 is a close up sectional view of a preferred embodiment of thefirst end of the pivot beam;

FIG. 05 is a front view showing a preferred embodiment of the inventionin a closed configuration;

FIG. 06 is a top view diagram of the preferred movement range of apreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 07 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thecargo carrier 100 in the open position 127;

FIG. 08 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theuniversal adjustable mount;

FIG. 09 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thecargo carrier installed to a vehicle towing receiver with the adjustablereceiver mount and tethering arms and mounts;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment tetheringarm and mount;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of anadjustable receiver mount and tethering aims and mounts mounted on avehicle's trailer hitch receiver;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a flatsurface mount hitch plate on a vehicle with a preferred embodiment ofthe cargo carrier mounted thereon;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a side mountingplate attached to a vehicle;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention detached from a vehicle hitch plate;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thecargo carrier for attachment to a vehicle hitch plate;

FIG. 16. is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the cargo carrierin the closed position with an optional tire carrier attached to thepivot arm;

FIG. 17. is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the cargo carrierin the closed position with an optional power cargo carrier lift in theup position attached to the pivot arm;

FIG. 18. is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the cargocarrier in the closed position mounted to a vehicle with an optionalpower cargo carrier lift in the down position attached to the pivot arm;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thehorizontal bearing pin;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thehorizontal bearing pin with roller bearings installed;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thehorizontal bearing pin with roller bearings;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the first endof the pivot beam;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the first endof the pivot beam with the horizontal bearing pin and roller bearingsinstalled;

FIG. 24 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the first end of thepivot beam;

FIG. 25 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the first end of thepivot beam with the horizontal bearing pin (mounting flange not shown)and roller bearing installed;

FIG. 26 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the first end of thepivot beam with the horizontal bearing pin and roller bearing installedwith the mounting flange visible; and,

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the cargocarrier in the open position mounted to a vehicle with an optional powercargo carrier lift in the down position attached to the pivot arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modescontemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Variousmodifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled inthe art, since the general principles of the present invention have beendefined herein specifically to provide a cantilever displacement cargocarrier.

FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a swing awaycargo carrier 100. The carrier can comprise a variety of materialsincluding metals such as aluminum or steel and carbon fiber. Theselection of materials depends upon the size, shape and weight of cargoitems intended to be transported by the system. Preferably, bearings,rollers and pins comprise high carbon steel often used in tooling.Preferred lubricant is a standard grease lubricant used in theautomotive industry.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a cargo carriermounted to a vehicle 400 at a trailer hitch receiver 411 is shown. Thecargo carrier preferably has an adjustable adaptor mount 205 and twosupporting tethering arms 211 that are attached to the vehicle 400. Theadjustable adaptor mount 205 is preferably mounted to the vehicle 400 atthe trailer hitch 411 and the adjustable tethering arm mounts 211 aremounted to the vehicle 400 at tethering arms 212. The invention 100preferably has a fixed beam 101 with a parallel orientation to the rearof the vehicle 400 and a pivot beam 123 attached to an end of the fixedbeam 101. Preferably, the cargo carrier has a trailer hitch receiver 106that is attached to the fixed beam 101.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment has a fixed beam 101.The fixed beam 101 has a first end 102 and a second end 103. The firstend 102 preferably has a cantilever displacement housing 109 comprisingan upper flange 114 and lower flange 115. The flanges 114 and 115 arepreferably joined together to the fixed beam 101 and connected tovertical end cap 145 and create a receiving receptacle 109 for the pivotbeam 123 (as shown in FIG. 3). The second end 103 preferably has a selfaligning receiving saddle 117 resembling a C-channel apparatus with anupper jaw 118 and a lower jaw 119; where each jaw 118, 119 preferablyhas a surface with an outwardly rounded extended slanted lip at itsouter end to create a clamming lip guide. This may also be a curved lipor similar structure to create a cam that guides the pivot beam 123 intothe receiving saddle 117.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of the invention isshown with the pivot beam 123 detached from the fixed beam 101. Pleasenote, the pivot beam 123 can also be described and/or referred to as aswinging arm, rotating beam or pivot arm. The pivot beam 123 has a firstend 120 with a pivot bushing 111 (the pivot bushing 111 preferablyfurther comprises a pivot bearing sleeve 124) that preferably alignswith through holes 110 in the upper flange 114 and lower flange 115 anda set of pin saddles 133/132 that support one or more (five shown)roller bearings 131 that are supported by a horizontal bearing pin 130that is attached to the end of the pivot beam 123. The roller bearings131 preferably contact, and roll on, upper flange 114 to reduce pressureon the pivot pin 112 and pivot bearing 124. The pivot pin 112 preferablyhas a shoulder bolt stop and is grooved for easier lubrication. Thebearing pin 130 for this configuration is preferably 1″ in diameter witha length of 5″. The bearing pin 130 further preferably has a 3.5″shoulder where 0.5″ wide roller bearings 131 can rotate.

FIGS. 19 through 26 show the bearing pin and roller bearings in detail.Referring now to FIG. 19, a preferred embodiment of the bearing pin 130is shown. Preferably, the bearing pin 130 is a rounded metal pin with amounting flange 137 on a first end 138 and a reduced shank on a secondend 139. The bearing pin 130 preferably has an opening 140 for a greasefitting where lubricant can be delivered to the surface of the bearingpin 130 through a channel (not shown) and out a lubrication port 141.The mounting flange 137 preferably has a mounting hole 142 that can beused to mount the bearing pin 130.

Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, a preferred embodiment of the roller,or sleeve, bearings 131 are shown with the bearing pin 130. Five sleevebearings 131 are shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. The sleeve bearings 131 arepreferably placed onto the bearing pin 130. While five sleeve bearings131 are shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the invention can use a singlesleeve/roller bearing 131 or a plurality of roller bearings as shown inFIGS. 20 and 21. The width, thickness and number of bearings 131 useddepend on, inter alia, the length of the cantilever portion of the pivotbeam 123, the weight of the cargo to be carried, and the rotationdesired.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a preferred embodiment of the first end 120 ofthe pivot beam 123 is shown. The first end 120 preferably has a pivothole 111 and channel cutout 129 with the pin saddle inner 133 and pinsaddle outer 132. The channel cutout 129 is dimensioned to receive thehorizontal bearing pin 130 and bearing(s) 131.

Referring now to FIG. 23, the preferred embodiment of the bearing pin130 and bearings 131 are inserted into the pin saddles 132/133 in thechannel cutout 129. FIG. 23 shows the bearing pin 130 with the bearings131 installed into the pin saddle inner 133 and pin saddle outer 132.Preferably, the bearing pin 130 is then secured in place with afastener/bolt place through the mounting hole 142 in the mounting flange137.

Referring now to FIG. 24, an end view of a preferred embodiment of thefirst end 120 of the pivot beam 123 is shown. The inner saddle 133 andouter saddle 132 are shown, as is the mounting hole 142.

Referring now to FIG. 25, an end view of a preferred embodiment of thefirst end 120 of the pivot beam 123 is shown. FIG. 25 further shows thebearing pin 130 and the sleeve bearing 131 installed with mountingflange 137 removed for visibility. The outer circumference of the sleevebearing 131 is preferably elevated above the top surface 144 of thepivot beam 123. This allows the bearing(s) 131 to contact (and roll on)the upper flange housing 114 of the fixed beam 101. The bearingsleeve(s) 131 can comprise different thicknesses to provide for a changein elevation of the bearing 131 above the top surface 144 of the pivotbeam 120 for, inter alia, adjustability.

Referring now to FIG. 26, an end view of a preferred embodiment of thefirst end 120 of the pivot beam 123 is shown with bearing pin 130 and atleast one sleeve bearing 131 installed. The bearing sleeve 131 is shownelevated above the top surface 144 of the pivot beam 123. Preferably, agrease fitting can be inserted at the lubrication port 140 so to providelubrication to the sleeve bearings 131.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the second end 121 of the pivot beam 123preferably has an anchor bushing 125 that aligns with the through holes122 in the self-aligning receiving saddle 117. The ratio of length ofthe first end 120 (roughly the length from pivot hole 111 to the end ofthe horizontal bearing 130) to the total length of the pivot beam 123depends on the weight of cargo to be carried. However, for a pivot beamof 30″ to 42″ in total length, a first end 120 length of 6″ ispreferred.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a close up sectional view of the first end 120of the pivot beam 123 is shown. The bearing pin 130 and bearings 131 arepreferably installed onto the pin saddle inner 133 and the pin saddleouter 132. Referring now to FIG. 5, the first end 120 is preferablypivotally interconnected to the cantilever displacement housing 109between the upper flange 114 and lower flange 115 by a pivot bearingsleeve 124, stop washers 116, and a pivot retaining pin or bolt 112.This allows the pivot beam 123 to rotate horizontally between the upperflange 114 and lower flange 115 of the cantilever displacement housing109 and resist vertical movement by an internal shear point for forcesto balance. This structure ensures that compression is equal to load.The housing 109 is preferably fabricated from heavy plate stock. Thereceiving saddle 117 is configured to respectively retain and secure thesecond end 121 of the pivot beam 123 in the closed position withretaining pin 108.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a diagram of the preferred movement range ofthe invention is shown. The pivot beam 123 preferably provides a placeto mount an otherwise fixed non-pivoting accessory 451 so the accessorycan pivot between an open position 127 and a closed position 128. Thepivot beam 123 is supported at the first end 102 of the fixed beam 101by the cantilever displacement housing 109. The pivot beam pivoting axislocation 111 is preferably placed inward from first end 120 on the pivotbeam 123 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to create an offset of apredetermined length, namely radius 113 (shown in FIG. 6). The length ofradius 113 is determined by the desired cantilever weight. The pivotingaxis 111 is then aligned with the through holes 110 and secured in thecantilever displacement housing 109 with the pivot retaining bolt 112.Pivot retaining bolt 112 can be a bolt and nut or a pin or other pivotstructure. To place the beam 123 in the closed or travel position 128,the pivot beam 123 is retracted or rotated inward until the pivot beam123 is inserted into, and supported by, the self-aligning receivingsaddle 117. The saddle 117 may be attached by weldment to the fixed beam101 and secured in place to beam 123 by a retaining pin 108.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a rear view of a preferred embodiment of thecargo carrier 100 in the open and locked position 127 is shown. The locksystem (also shown in FIG. 6) preferably includes a spring-biasedplunger 135 (or pin) that is configured to retain and secure the pivotbeam 123 in the cantilever displacement housing 109 by entering anopening 136 in the flange housing upper 114 and aligning with channelcutout 129 shown in FIG. 4 in the pivot beam 123. The lock system ispreferably used to lock the pivot beam 123 in the open position, e.g.when used on an incline.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a preferred embodiment of a universaladjustable mount 205 with a set of horizontal mounting holes 206 and 207is shown. The holes 206, 207 provide horizontal adjustability for thevehicle towing receiver 411. Vertical mounting holes 208 providevertical adjustability for the frame body center mounting plate 104.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a preferred embodiment of the invention for avehicle with a trailer hitch receiver 411 is shown. Preferably, theuniversal adjustable mount 205 is attached to the frame body centermounting plate 104 using the adjustable vertical mounting holes 208 toachieve the desired install height and then inserted in to the vehiclereceiver 411 to the desired depth using the horizontal mounting holes 6and 7. A pin and clip 209 (not shown) then preferably connect the cargocarrier 100 to the vehicle 400.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a preferred embodiment tethering arm 211 andmount 212 is shown. This embodiment is preferably for vehicles that havea trailer hitch receiver 411 and are using the trailer hitch adaptor 205and require additional carrying capacity, support and or stabilizationat a second and third contact point at the tethering arms 211 andtethering mount 212 and U-bolt and hardware 213.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the tethering arms 211 are preferably mountedto the fixed beam 101 at side mounting plates 105 and then to thetethering arm mounts 212. The mounts 212 are then attached to thevehicle towing receiver cross tube 412 by U-bolts and hardware 213 foradded capacity and additional stability.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, a preferred embodiment of theinvention for vehicles without a trailer hitch receiver 411 (as opposedto what is shown in FIG. 11) is shown. Preferably, the cargo carrier 100is mounted directly to the vehicle 400 at frame 414 with two chassisframe mounting plates 215 where one plate 215 attaches to each side ofthe vehicle's frame 414. The plates 215 also attach to the fixed framebody end mounting plate 105.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a preferred embodiment of the invention forvehicles that have a flat surface or hitch plate 415 (as with some vans,trucks and motor homes) is shown. The frame body center mounting plate104 is connected directly to a flat surface hitch plate 415. Tetheringarms 211 or fixed body end mounting plates 105 are preferably not usedwith this embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a rear view of the preferred embodiment of thecargo carrier 100 in FIG. 14 is shown with the enclosed rear side of thecantilever displacement housing 109 and the frame body center mountingplate 104.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a perspective front view of a preferredembodiment of the cargo carrier 100 with an otherwise fixed cargoapparatus is shown. In FIG. 16, a tire carrier 455 is shown mounted tothe pivot beam 123 in the closed and stored position.

The present invention combines effectively with the vehicle liftdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/999,844. Referring nowto FIG. 17, a perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of thecargo carrier 100 with a hydraulic power lift/carrier 450 mounted to thepivot beam 123 in the closed and stored position is shown. The lift 450is shown in the up position. The lift 450 is described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/999,844 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a perspective view of a preferred embodimentof the cargo carrier 100 with the hydraulic power lift 450 is shown. Thelift 450 is shown mounted to the pivot beam 123 where the beam 123 is inthe closed and stored position. The hydraulic power lift 450 is shown inthe down/loading position. FIG. 27 shows the preferred embodiment of theinvention with the pivot arm 123 in the open position and the lift 450in the “down” position.

Thus, a cargo carrier is described above that can use a swing arm withan increased cargo weight while reducing stress and wear on the pivotaxis. In each of the above embodiments, the different positions andstructures of the present invention are described separately in each ofthe embodiments. However, it is the full intention of the inventors ofthe present invention that the separate aspects of each embodimentdescribed herein may be combined with the other embodiments describedherein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that adaptations andmodifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can beconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced other than as specificallydescribed herein.

Various modifications and alterations of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims.It should be noted that steps recited in any method claims below do notnecessarily need to be performed in the order that they are recited.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations inperforming the steps from the order in which they are recited. Inaddition, the lack of mention or discussion of a feature, step, orcomponent provides the basis for claims where the absent feature orcomponent is excluded by way of a proviso or similar claim language.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams maydepict an example architectural or other configuration for theinvention, which is done to aid in understanding the features andfunctionality that may be included in the invention. The invention isnot restricted to the illustrated example architectures orconfigurations, but the desired features may be implemented using avariety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it willbe apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional,logical or physical partitioning and configurations may be implementedto implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, amultitude of different constituent module names other than thosedepicted herein may be applied to the various partitions. Additionally,with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and methodclaims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall notmandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recitedfunctionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features, aspects and functionality described in one or more ofthe individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to theparticular embodiment with which they are described, but instead may beapplied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read asrequiring that each and every one of those items be present in thegrouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or”should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, butrather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of theinvention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural iscontemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to thesingular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and may further be distributedacross multiple locations.

As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cantilever displacement cargo carriercomprising: a beam having a first end and a second end, where the firstend comprises a cantilever displacement housing with a pivot hole; apivot beam having a first end and a second end, where the first endcomprises at least one pin saddle and a pivot bushing; where ahorizontal bearing pin having at least one bearing is inserted into theat least one pin saddle; and where a pivot pin is inserted into thepivot hole and the pivot bushing.
 2. The cargo carrier of claim 1 wherethe second end of the beam comprises a receiver saddle with an anchorhole and the second end of the pivot beam comprises an anchor bushing;where a retainer pin is insertable into the anchor hole and the anchorbushing to lock the pivot beam to the receiver saddle.
 3. The cargocarrier of claim 1 where the beam is mounted to a vehicle trailer hitchreceiver.
 4. The cargo carrier of claim 1 where the beam is mounted to avehicle hitch plate.
 5. The cargo carrier of claim 1 where the beam ismounted to a vehicle frame by vehicle frame mounting plates.
 6. Thecargo carrier of claim 1 where the beam further comprises a vehicletrailer hitch receiver.
 7. The cargo carrier of claim 1 where the pivotbeam further comprises a cargo platform.
 8. The cargo carrier of claim 1where the beam further comprises a plurality of tether arms.
 9. Acantilever displacement cargo carrier comprising: a beam mounted on avehicle, the beam having a first end and a second end, where the firstend comprises a cantilever displacement housing with a pivot hole; apivot beam having a first end and a second end, where the first endcomprises at least one pin saddle and a pivot bushing; where ahorizontal bearing pin having a plurality of roller bearings is insertedinto the at least one pin saddle; and where a pivot pin is inserted intothe pivot hole and the pivot bushing.
 10. The cargo carrier of claim 9where the beam further comprises a vehicle trailer hitch receiver. 11.The cargo carrier of claim 9 where the pivot beam further comprises acargo platform.
 12. The cargo carrier of claim 9 where the pivot beamfurther comprises a tire carrier.
 13. The cargo carrier of claim 9 wherethe pivot beam further comprises a carrier for bicycles or electricbikes.
 14. The cargo carrier of claim 9 where the second end of the beamcomprises a receiver saddle with an anchor hole and the second end ofthe pivot beam comprises an anchor bushing; where a retainer pin isinsertable into the anchor hole and the anchor bushing to lock the pivotbeam to the receiver saddle.
 15. The cargo carrier of claim 9 where thepivot beam has a top surface and the plurality of bearings have an outercircumference that extends above the top surface of the pivot beam andcontacts the cantilever displacement housing.
 16. A vehicle liftcomprising: a beam mounted on a vehicle, the beam having a first end anda second end, where the first end comprises a cantilever displacementhousing with a pivot hole; a pivot beam having a first end and a secondend, where the first end comprises at least one pin saddle and a pivotbushing; where a horizontal bearing pin having a plurality of rollerbearings is inserted into the at least one pin saddle; and where a pivotpin is inserted into the pivot hole and the pivot bushing; the vehiclelift further comprising two lifting arms and two support arms pivotallyattached; where the lifting arms are each pivotally attached to aplatform shoe and where the support arms are attached to verticalrotation cups; a vehicle platform pivotally mounted on four pivot arms;where the lifting arms and support arms form sides of a firstparallelogram and the pivot arms form sides of a second parallelogram;and, a drive with a first end and a second end, where the first end isattached to the beam and where the second end is attached to a crossbarmounted between the two lifting arms.
 17. The vehicle lift of claim 16where the beam is mounted to a vehicle at a vehicle trailer hitchreceiver.
 18. The vehicle lift of claim 16 where the beam is mounted toa vehicle at a vehicle hitch plate.
 19. The vehicle lift of claim 16where the beam is mounted to a vehicle at a vehicle frame by vehicleframe mounting plates.
 20. The vehicle lift of claim 16 where the beamis mounted to a vehicle at a position selected from the group consistingof: a vehicle hitch plate, a vehicle frame by vehicle frame mountingplates, or a vehicle trailer hitch receiver.